Posting from Australia to Spain

[xxerjexx]

I’ve recently had issues with a purchase made from Spain whereby Spanish customs did “return to sender” even after the buyer had paid the duties at their end. I received the item back safely and then re-sent (at additional postage cost to buyer), however they appear to be no further ahead as again the buyer cannot locate their item at Spanish customs. I will note I did the drycleaning declaration for Spain also! Is anyone else having issues with Spain? 

[daydreams_12]

If I were you, I would not be posting overseas.  You appear to have problems.

[xxerjexx]

Have you posted items to spain recently using Aus Post and what was your experience? 

[siddieswans]

I do post overseas but NOT to Spain (and many other countries.)  I had a bad experience with Spain many years ago (maybe 15?)  - at that time buyers had to pay duty at their end. The amount of duty demanded by Spanish Customs was much higher than it should have been  according to the buyer so they refused to pay and the parcel was returned to me. I refunded them. According to the buyer there was at the time a long-standing problem with Customs - I do not wish to cast aspersions so have no idea to what the current situation is.

I sell mainly one-off items collectables etc which may not be widely available, which is why I sell overseas (to some countries.)  I would have thought with the type of items you seem to sell (clothing including some pre-worn, cosmetics)  - that something similar would be available in any country, without needing to look overseas. There are additional problems with selling overseas; because I get additional sales that way I am prepared to wear them; only you can decide if it is worth it to you.

[love_of_cars]

After years of relatively trouble-free sending to Europe I've started having issues with items being returned this year, when all the parcels had the proper customs requirements fulfilled.

The only thing I can think of is that AP started requiring the tariff code to be completed for every international  destination for parcels since last year, which I do complete, and they are now also auto-signed with "ID verified" tags rather than me signing them manually.

Maybe there are some teething issues going on in regards to these things.

[sugar249]

If it failed once why would you resend.   

[timmtim.ucaha]

I live in Australia and travel to Spain frequently and have experience sending items via freight to Spain. Their Customs Agency is notoriously strict. If they do manage to pass through Customs the import duties are incredibly expensive. Good luck : )

[gutterpunkz05]

This might help       From  USPS, but  should still be applicable for spanish imports.

• New customs rules apply to all outbound international packages going to European countries that follow EU customs regulations. This includes small personal gifts, ecommerce orders, and military and diplomatic mail (APO/DPO/FPO).
• Every item in your package must be listed on the customs declaration form.
• For each item's description: You can't just name a general category; your description must be specific. For example, you can't just say "electronics"; you have to be specific about the type of electronics, like "computer," "mobile phone," or "television."
• If you use USPS® tools (like the International Retail Postage Price Calculator or Global Shipping Software) and provide acceptable descriptions (that are specific and accurate), USPS will provide an "HS (Harmonized System) Tariff Code" (or just "HS Code"). This USPS-generated code will be included on your customs declaration form.

Guidance for Acceptable Descriptions

Unacceptable                             Acceptable

Clothes	Men's shirts, girls' vest, boys' jackets
Appliances	Refrigerator, stove, microwave oven
Artwork	Oil painting, pencil sketch, bronze statue
Battery	Lithium batteries
Gifts	Scented candle, remote-controlled car, cashmere scarf
Medicine	Painkillers, antiviral spray
Health & Beauty Products	Detergent, toothbrush, towels
Vegetables	Eggplant, onions, broccoli